Natural Dyeing Experiments Using the Magenta Plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) for Community Product Development in Doi Chang, Wawee Subdistrict, Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) is cultivated in the Doi Chang community, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, and has potential as a natural dye source for adding value to local resources. This study aimed to: 1) investigate the dyeing of cotton fabric using natural dyes extracted from the magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) and dragon blood tea in combination with different mordants; 2) evaluate community members’ satisfaction with the quality and color of the dyed fabrics; and 3) develop prototype textile products from fabrics dyed with these natural colorants.
Methods: This experimental study involved pretreatment of cotton fabrics, extraction of natural dyes from the magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) and dragon blood tea, and dyeing trials using nine mordants and dyeing auxiliaries: citric acid, alum, copper sulfate, iron rust solution, vinegar, boiled banana pseudostem extract, limewater, wood ash solution, and baking soda. The physicochemical properties of the dye extracts were evaluated by measuring pH, while the color characteristics of the dyed cotton fabrics were determined before and after washing to assess color retention. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to 20 members of the Doi Chang community who were familiar with the magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) and dragon blood tea to evaluate their satisfaction with the quality and color of the dyed fabrics. The results were subsequently applied to the development of prototype textile products.
Results: Cotton fabrics dyed with extracts from the magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) and dragon blood tea in combination with different mordants exhibited a wide range of colors, including blue, purple, gray, green, orange, and brown. The resulting color shades varied according to the pH of the dye baths containing different mordants. Highly acidic dye baths (pH 2–4), such as those containing citric acid and alum, tended to produce warmer color tones, whereas dye baths with higher pH values (pH 6–9), such as those containing baking soda and wood ash solution, produced cooler shades, including bluish gray and pale green. Metallic mordants, including alum, copper sulfate, and iron-based mordants, produced more distinct colors with better color retention after washing. The satisfaction scores of the participants were at the highest level (   =4.65–4.69), indicating the potential of the dyed fabrics for further product development. Based on these findings, six prototype products were developed: outerwear, scarves, shawls, bags, hats, and headscarves. Natural dyeing and tie-dye techniques were integrated with traditional Akha embroidery to create contemporary textile products.
Application of this study: The knowledge generated from this study can provide practical guidance for selecting appropriate mordants and controlling dye-bath pH to achieve a variety of desired natural color shades. The extraction, dyeing, and product development processes can also be transferred to community members to support the value-added utilization of local plant resources. Furthermore, the prototype products can integrate traditional Akha embroidery with contemporary design approaches based on Eco-design, the 4R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair), circular fashion, and zero-waste design. These approaches can enhance resource efficiency, minimize material waste during production, and provide a framework for developing textile products that connect local wisdom and cultural identity with contemporary and environmentally responsible design.
Conclusions: The magenta plant (Peristrophe bivalvis) and dragon blood tea demonstrated considerable potential as natural dye sources for cotton fabrics. The type of mordant and dye-bath pH played important roles in determining the resulting color shades and color retention after washing, allowing the production of a broad spectrum of colors ranging from warm to cool tones. Several dyed fabric treatments received high to very high levels of satisfaction from community members. Integrating the experimental findings with traditional dyeing knowledge, Akha embroidery, and environmentally conscious design principles enabled the development of contemporary textile products that reflect the cultural identity of the Doi Chang community. These findings provide a promising approach for adding value to local resources and supporting the sustainable development of community-based textile products.